Lagotto Romagnolo: The Adorable Truffle-Hunting Dog

The Lagotto Romagnolo (pronounced La-GO-to Ro-man-YO-lo) is a dog that’s fluffy, affectionate, smart, and a little bit quirky. This rare Italian breed has been around for centuries, originally bred to help hunters retrieve game from water.

But these days? The Lagotto has a new claim to fame: it’s the world’s best truffle-hunting dog!

Beyond their working talents, Lagottos are loving family companions who thrive in active households. Let’s dive into what makes this breed so unique.

Appearance: Curly, Cute, and Hypoallergenic

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-sized dog with a teddy bear look, thanks to its dense, curly, and woolly coat. Many people compare their coat to that of a poodle — and yes, they’re considered hypoallergenic since they shed very little.

• Size: 24–35 pounds, 16–19 inches tall
• Coat colors: Off-white, brown, orange, or combinations with patches
• Expression: Gentle eyes and an alert, intelligent face

Their rustic curls aren’t just for looks — they once helped keep these dogs warm while swimming in chilly marshes.

Origins and History of the Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto’s story begins in the marshlands of Romagna, Italy. For centuries, they worked as water retrievers, fetching ducks for hunters. But as wetlands were drained, the breed found a new role: sniffing out precious truffles hidden beneath the soil.

This amazing ability saved the breed from extinction in the 20th century. Today, the Lagotto Romagnolo is still used by truffle hunters in Italy — but it’s also winning hearts as a loyal and affectionate companion around the world.

Temperament 

Friendly, curious, and always ready to learn, the Lagotto Romagnolo is a joy to live with. They’re often described as “velcro dogs” because they love being near their people.

• Affectionate: They form strong bonds with their families.
• Trainable: Quick learners who shine with positive reinforcement.
• Sociable: Generally good with children and other pets.
• Alert: Naturally watchful, though not aggressive.

They can be a little reserved with strangers at first, but once comfortable, their sweet and playful nature shines.

Grooming the Lagotto

That adorable curly coat does require some care! While Lagottos don’t shed much, their woolly fur can tangle if not looked after.

• Brushing: 2–3 times a week to prevent matting
• Trims: Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks helps maintain coat health
• Bathing: Occasional, as over-washing can dry out their coat
• Ears: Regular cleaning, since their curls can trap dirt and moisture
• Nails: As truffle diggers, Lagottos have longer curved nails that need to be clipped regularly and very carefully to avoid the quick. 

Keeping up with grooming ensures your Lagotto stays comfortable, healthy, and looking their best. Read my article on dealing with matted dog hair if you need help.

Lagotto Romagnolo as a Family Dog

The Lagotto Romagnolo fits wonderfully into family life. They adore children, especially when raised alongside them, and are playful without being hyperactive.

Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them well-mannered house dogs when properly trained.

Because they thrive on companionship, Lagottos don’t do well if left alone for long stretches. Families that can involve them in daily activities — walks, games, training — will get the very best out of this affectionate breed.

Lagotto Romagnolo Health 

The Lagotto Romagnolo is generally a healthy breed with an above average lifespan.  Like all breeds, they can be prone to certain conditions, so it’s important to work with a responsible breeder who screens for:

• Hip dysplasia This is an inherited issue involving the hip joint that results in pain, muscle loss and lameness. It’s a degenerative disease, but there are many treatments and therapies available. Hip dysplasia can affect any dog, but it’s more common in larger breeds.

• Patella Luxation aka Slipping Kneecap
  As the name implies, this involves a dislocation of the kneecap to varying degrees and is usually an inherited defect and more common in toy or smaller breeds. Responsible breeders will screen more than one generation of parents for this condition, before breeding, as well as the resulting puppies, before they are offered for purchase. An early sign of Patella Luxation is limping.

• Juvenile epilepsy (rare but known in the breed)  appears in affected puppies at just a few weeks of age and can present as seizures in puppies, but generally resolves once the puppy is about 13-15 weeks of age.

• Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD) is a neurological disorder caused by a genetic mutation, It is a progressive condition affecting balance and coordination. Currently there is no cure.

With regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and plenty of exercise, pet parents can  expect their Lagottos to stay happy and healthy and enjoy them for 14–16 years.

The National Breed Club recommends breeders should complete the following evaluations and testing for their breeding stock:

• Patella Evaluation
• Hip Evaluation
• Ophthalmologist Exam
• Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy (BFJE) - DNA Test
• Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD) - DNA Test

Exercise and Activity Needs

Don’t let their cuddly looks fool you — the Lagotto Romagnolo is an active working breed. They need both physical exercise and mental stimulation to thrive.

• Daily walks or hikes
• Off-leash play in a secure yard
• Nosework or scent games (great for tapping into their truffle-hunting heritage!)
• Puzzle toys and training sessions

They’re not a breed that does well with boredom. A tired Lagotto is a happy Lagotto!

Training and Food Motivation

Lagottos are highly food-motivated, which makes them a dream to train. Dog treats work wonders during obedience sessions, trick training, or house manners. Just be sure to balance treats with a healthy diet so they don’t put on extra pounds.

Because they’re sensitive and eager to please, positive reinforcement is the best approach. Harsh methods will only backfire.

Fun Fact: The Truffle Dog

One of the Lagotto’s nicknames is the “Truffle Dog.” Their incredible sense of smell allows them to detect truffles buried deep in the ground — a skill that makes them highly prized in gourmet cuisine circles.

Even if you don’t live in truffle country, you can still put that nose to work with scent games at home.

Is the Lagotto Romagnolo Right for You?

The Lagotto Romagnolo is best for families or individuals who:

• Enjoy outdoor activities
• Want an affectionate, people-oriented dog
• Can provide regular training and stimulation
• Don’t mind grooming a curly coat

If you’re looking for a dog that’s equal parts loving companion and clever worker, the Lagotto Romagnolo might be your perfect match.

Find a Lagotto Romagnolo To Buy Or Rescue

If you’ve decided the Lagotto Romagnolo might be your perfect match, your next step is finding one responsibly. Here are some reliable resources to help you: 

• Reputable breeders: Look for breeders who health-test their dogs, raise puppies in a home setting, and are members of recognized breed clubs.
• American Kennel Club
• Lagotto Romagnolo Rescue: While rarer, some Lagottos and Lagotto mixes do end up in rescue groups.
• Breed clubs: The Lagotto Romagnolo Club of America (or your country’s official breed club) is a great starting point for referrals and advice.

Avoid backyard breeders or online sellers who can’t provide health clearances. A well-bred Lagotto is worth the wait!

Prices of puppies from reputable breeders usually cost between $1,800 to $2,500, but can go much higher depending on health testing and breeder reputation.

FAQ About the Lagotto Romagnolo

Before You Go...

If you like the content of this page, as well as others on my site, please give it some love by clicking on the heart in the lower right hand corner. This helps me to keep providing enjoyable and useful content.

Thank you.

1. Home
›
2. AKC Breeds
›
3. Lagotto Romagnolo